AMGA Alpine Skills Course

American Alpine Institute ETPL

The Alpine Skills Course (ASC) can be the first step in the AMGA's Alpine Guide training and certification
process. It is a 5-day course, designed for aspiring guides and instructors who have an alpine climbing background and interest in developing their guiding skills in this setting. The ASC places strong emphasis on maximizing client rewards while effectively managing risks. The ASC addresses guiding techniques commonly used on simple glacier routes that may include rock scrambles up to Class 4 with short steps of easy 5th class. The terrain might also require technical descents, management and movement of multiple clients, small team rescue and other related skills and knowledge. There will be considerable structured practice in the ASC. Techniques will be presented and/or demonstrated, you will practice on the ground and then practice in venues that are representative of the terrain.

Visit the program website Erin-Leigh Hardy Vocational School Manager (360) 671-1505 erin-leigh@alpineinstitute.com

Financial information

Total tuition

$2,500.00

Total required fees

$0.00

Books and supplies

$0.00

Locations

Bellingham

Instructional methods

In-Person Variable Sites

Is this program offered on evenings and weekends?

Program details

5 Days

Length of training

Certificate

Award type

N/A

Credits

50

Clock Hours (Total)

Additional details

Award name

Certificate of Completion

Education Prerequisites

None

Prerequisite courses and other requirements

Current AMGA member
Current CPR Certification
Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
Successful completion of a Level I Avalanche Training and Avalanche Rescue Course
Two years personal climbing experience on a variety of terrain that includes snow, rock and alpine
Confidence leading 5.6 in rock shoes, at the time of the course
Confidence on 3rd and 4th class terrain, in mountain boots, at the time of the course
Competence in overnight backcountry camping
Experience up to 10,000' in elevation
Familiar with basic knots, including: figure 8, bowline, clove hitch, munter hitch, mule hitch, prusik, flat overhand, double fisherman's and klemheist
Confidence placing traditional rock protection
Familiar with multiple types of belaying techniques, including plates and assisted braking devices
Familiar with ascending methods
Familiar with mechanical advantage systems
Familiar with LNT practices
Documentation of lead or shared lead on 5 rock climbs rated 5.6 or harder
Documentation of lead or shared lead on 5 ascents that include snow climbing
Documentation of 3 overnight backcountry trips

Is this program approved to train veterans?

Yes

Program languages

English

Certification/license obtained as part of training program

N/A

Certification/license test preparation provided

N/A

Employment performance results

Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.

Top industries for graduates

Careers for graduates

Statewide earnings and employment trends for related jobs

Career Title	Typical annual earnings	Employment outlook (openings/year)
Recreation Workers	$21,900	1,300
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services	$68,600	N/A

Student characteristics

Enrollment
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Gender
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Race
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Age
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Prior education
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.